Gannett gave notification three years ago that it would not renew the agreement, signed September 1977, in which it was responsible for business operations of the Post newspapers, including advertising and subscription sales, production and distribution.

Scripps has maintained an independent editorial department at the Post but does not have advertising and circulation sales staffs or other production and business employees, nor printing capability.

Scripps and Gannett have shared the combined profits of the newspapers.

"It's always a difficult decision to cease publication of a newspaper, especially two with such fine traditions of journalistic excellence and community service as The Cincinnati Post and The Kentucky Post," Rich Boehne, chief operating officer for Scripps, said in a statement.

Changing reader habits have claimed a number of other afternoon newspapers in the United States. Scripps said paid circulation for the Post newspapers has fallen from about 188,000 when the agreement started to 27,000 Monday through Friday, and 37,000 on Saturday.

The decision will affect 52 full-time newsroom employees, who will be offered severance packages, including outplacement services and three months of paid medical benefits, Scripps said.